Ransomware's Weird Vulnerability: Virtual Keyboards as a Defense

Security experts have discovered a peculiar vulnerability in nearly all ransomware strains: they refuse to install on Windows computers with virtual keyboards like Russian or Ukrainian already installed. This is because many malware strains originating from Eastern Europe include checks for specific countries (e.g., Russia, Ukraine) to avoid local law enforcement. While not foolproof, installing a virtual keyboard, such as a Russian one, offers a simple, additional security measure to reduce ransomware infection risk. This approach leverages the fact that many cybercriminals avoid targeting computers within their own countries to avoid investigation.